The World Leader in Automatic Back Counterboring Tools

 The Autofacer is an ingenious tool that allows a machinist to reach through a hole and machine a circular feature* on the back side of the part automatically. This is accomplished by folding the cutting blade into the shaft of the tool body allowing the tool to pass into the part. Once the tool has entered the part, the cutting blade is mechanically opened and cutting may begin.

Autofacer Case Studies

Autofacer Catalog

KA Autofacer 

In-Stock Autofacer

* Circular features might include a spot face, counterbore, countersink, chamfer, spherical radius, or some combination thereof.

Autofacer: Multiple Activation Methods

  • Cone


    How it Works


    • Cone grips the face of the workpiece to open and close the blade (must be a machined surface)



    Advantages


    • Reliable performance on any machine tool, CNC or manual

    • Cost-effective alternative to high-production tooling


  • Flywheel


    How it Works

    • Utilizes the inertia generated during rapid spindle acceleration to open and close the blade



    Advantages

    • Ideal for modern CNC machines with rapid acceleration and deceleration

    • Cost-effective alternative to high-production tooling

  • Torque Bar

    How it Works

    • Utilizes an anti-rotation device during spindle reversal to open and close the blade

    • A Torque Bar Driver or an Arrestor-rod is required



    Advantages

    • Perfect for high-production runs that require the maximum degree of reliability

    • Ideal for transfer lines and CNC machines

  • Extended Range




    How it Works

    • A rack and pinion gear opens the blade like a jack knife

    • Available in Torque Bar and Coolant activated configurations



    Advantages

    • Extended spotface-to-hole size ratio (largest in the industry)

    • Perfect for internal machining in differential gear cases



  • Air or Coolant


    How it Works


    • High-pressure coolant drives the blade open

    • Spring-pressure closes the blade when the coolant is shut off



    Advantages

    • Simple to set up and run

    • Perfect for high-production runs

    • Ideal for machines with high-pressure, filtered coolant systems

  • Pad or Ring


    How it Works

    • Pads grip the inside diameter of the pilot hole to open and close the blade



    Advantages

    • Ideal for hole sizes greater than 2.25 inches where front (& back) spotfacing is required

  • Bearing Guided



    How it Works

    • A tapered pilot locates on a process bore supporting the tool a full 360 degrees

    • Adjustable insert cartridge

    • Available in Torque Bar activated configurations



    Advantages

    • Excellent size control and repeatability

    • Capable of holding high-precision tolerances of .0001″ (.0025mm)

  • Watch Video

Features of the Autofacer

  • Extreme reliability of part processing, due to a friction-type clutch that mechanically opens and closes the cutting blade.
  • Can perform heavy interrupted cuts, with cutting blades that are mechanically held open during cutting.
  • Utilizes the part hole to support the tool while cutting, enabling the operator to run the Autofacer at carbide speeds and feeds even at long length-to-diameter ratios.
  • Available in many different configurations, depending upon your application needs.
  • Maximize time savings. Our full-service grinding department allows us to offer custom geometries on our indexable inserts and brazed carbide cutting blades, meaning we can combine multiple operations into a single blade to save time.

Benefits Provided by the Autofacer

  • Reduce part process time by up to 80% or more
  • Extreme reliability of part processing
  • Eliminate costly secondary operations
  • Enhance machine/operator safety by automating manufacturing processes
    Performance is 100% guaranteed

Autofacer Applications

  • Autofacer has a wide range of activation methods available depending upon your specific needs.
  • The best-fit activation method largely depends on the machine tool that is being used, along with your production quantities.
  • Application Engineers at Steiner Technologies, Inc. will select the appropriate activation method to ensure optimum performance.
  • The more demanding the application, the more you will benefit from the speed and automation that the Autofacer provides.

Best Served Industries

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Power generation
  • Heavy equipment & locomotive
  • Marine
  • Pump & Valve
  • Defense
  • See examples here

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